Author: Mary Ting (Page 1 of 3)

BOOK REVIEW: AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary TingAVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The final installment of the Multi-Award-Winning series.

The days of hiding are over.
The battle for supremacy is here.
The fate of the rebels is at hand.

Ava heads to South Korea to bring down the facility that manufactures the CODE army. But she can't do it alone. She'll have to trust fellow conspirators and put her life on the line.

When the South rebel leader searches for missing team members, she's captured and taken to the Korean ISAN base. There, she discovers a secret that could change the course of the war in their favor.

After the rebel mountain base is threatened, Ava has no choice but to comply with Korean ISAN demands—or end up killing everyone she loves.

Review:

AVA was a wonderful conclusion to the International Sensory Assassin Network Series! Those we love got the happily ever after we had been hoping for, but it was such a challenging journey. And I closed the book smiling with that fabulous conclusion. If you love dystopian, sci-fi, action, found family, and romance then definitely check this series out!

She had always put her people first and had promised herself never to fall in love. But the thing about love… there’s no reasoning or predicting when and why it happens. Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.

Rhett and Ava will always be my favorite! But there were other romances within this series, and we got to see where some of them led! On top of the romances, I loved watching how trust played such an important part in this story. With double agents, and those they weren’t sure they could trust, they had to learn to work together for the greater good. It was nerve wracking, yet so fun seeing how it all would unfold!

Renegades forever.

Sacrifice was another important element in this series. The threats that were forced upon them. And the situations they were put in were gut wrenching. Yet those with pure hearts and bravery in their veins stood up and did all they could to protect those that they loved and cared for. Those that they realized had become their family. It was such a powerful recurring theme within this book that I loved!

We would make a difference.

Also, we were introduced to new characters, from the Korean ISAN. Quite a few of the chapters were narrated by Hae Jin, who reminded me of Ava in certain ways. She had a boyfriend, a found family, and was desperate to get out of the clutches of ISAN. But I was never able to find that connection to her, or her team members. Regardless, she was so easy to like and I loved her fearless ways!

Sometimes wishes do come true when you blow on a dandelion.

With different teams working together for the greater good, life and death situations, and love gracing the pages, this was such a fabulous wrap up to this series. Yet, there were still things that needed to be done in the world. Other countries where ISAN needed to be brought to their knees. So, Ting skillfully set up this series to have spinoffs, which I’m sure fans will adore.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


ISAN (International Sensory Assassin Network #1)
Review:
Jen

HELIX (International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Review:
Jen

GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

CODE (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
Review:
Jen
 

BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Wings and Thorns by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Crown of Wings and Thorns by Mary TingCrown of Wings and Thorns by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A fight for a throne that will rewrite history

The demon King Asmodeus has taken over the mortal world. The Order of Angel warriors have a mission to take him down, but many have died or joined the enemy. When Evangeline’s team is ensnared in a web of deception, she has no choice but to form an alliance with King Victus, a vampire ruler with a reputation for killing angels. Can the two set aside the past and take down Asmodeus? Or will they turn on each other first?

Michael is a half-breed angel who wants no part of the nonhuman world. However, his immense power makes him a target. King Asmodeus wants him to join his army, and so does Order of Angels, but Michael dreams of settling down, not going to war. He may not have a choice. When his family’s lives are at stake, he’ll have to pick a side or lose everything.

Review:

Crown of Wings and Thorns was a fast paced romantasy, that swirled together angels, demons and vampires.  Within the pages there was a lot of mystery, we got introduced to a new world, and the story was told from multiple points of view.  With characters that were unique, and an ending that left us at a great stopping point till the next book releases, this story was such a quick read!

“I loathe your kind,” he hissed, baring his teeth.
“And I despise everything about you.” I clenched my jaw.

My favorite character in this story was the demon, King Victus.  He was fair, yet could be ruthless. And I loved how multifaceted he was!  The secrets he kept were intriguing, and as the story went by I guessed everything correctly about him.  I loved seeing how he reacted to things, and the decisions he made.  He was someone that was so easy to fall for.

“And I’m debating if I should snap your neck or rip out your heart.”
“What kind of angel are you?”

The story was also told from Evangeline’s view, who was an angel.  She seemed like a true warrior that was destined for greatness.  She was smart, kind, and fought for what was right.  Plus she loved her friends.  Yet I could never connect to her.  I thought it was because she was with Zander.  I never swooned over him, even when they were intimate together.  So when King Victus stepped on the pages, I hoped that was a path Evangeline took.  Because he intrigued me, and made my heart race!

My job is to either bring in or kill Asmodeus. I prefer the latter … We’re stronger together. Eva’s words filtered through his mind.
Victus might regret his decision, but a deal was a deal. And he needed the feather being to recover fast.
“Take the cuffs off her, now.”

We also got the story in Michael’s POV.  He was a fighter who would go to the ends of the world to protect you.  I can see readers falling in love with Michael, and wanting to read more about him!  I haven’t read it yet, but he was from the Crossroads SagaI again wasn’t able to connect to him, but I enjoyed listening to his journey to save those he loved!

Bite me harder. Take me. Break me. I was all his, and at this moment, he was mine.
As my pulse drummed faster, my world turned. My present faded and my past came crashing through.

There were more characters we got to hear from, yet these three were who we spent the most time with.  And I loved how all of the different stories wove in and out together, it was masterfully done.  While there was heartbreak, death, and betrayal, there was also hope, love and watching those work together for the greater good.  I definitely don’t want to touch on the story here, because it’s better for you to discover it on your own.   If you have fallen for any of Mary Ting’s previous books, I think you’ll fall head over heels in love with this one too!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Legend by Mary TingOnce Upon a Legend by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A story of love and a power that echoes through time.

A prophecy foretold by the Council.
A sword forged by the Ladies of the Lake.
A child born from love and the hope of thousands.

Seventeen-year-old Idrisa is a student from Dumont Orphan School. When the Emperor of Dumonia invites all citizens to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, she attends and becomes entangled in a world beyond belief. At the party, Idrisa begins to hear strange voices that urge her to go to the lake. A student from school follows and tries to kill her, but in the fight for her survival, Idrisa gains possession of an eternal sword—gifted by the Ladies of the Lake.

The Emperor demands it, but only Idrisa can wield the sword, so he imprisons her. Her only hope is Prince Merrick, but he is grieving the death of his mother and doesn’t care about anything happening around him. While held captive, Idrisa uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about Dumonia. Enemies and allies emerge when they hear news of the sword, and she must unlock the mystery of the weapon before darkness descends on the empire forever.

Review:

Retribution was a powerful weapon.

Once Upon a Legend was an enchanting tale that was woven together beautifully. It was impossible not to be fascinated with this magical world.  With a retelling involving the Ladies of the Lake, it made me feel like I was watching a movie play out in my head.  One that at first glance may seem like a Disney tale, YET as this story unfolds you see just how much darker, grittier and so much deeper this story goes.  There was murder and so much unknown laced in the pages, it felt as though plans were in place for something bigger than them.  So if you adore young adult stories that feature lore, magic, sword fighting, traitors, friendship, and the sparks of something more, then this is definitely the book for you!

I shivered, an icy blast of wind sprayed over my face. The white light from the blade, like a thousand diamonds blessed with inner fire, beckoned me to reach out for it.

Idrisa was fierce, determined and brave. She was raised in the Dumont Orphan School and the friendships she created meant the world to her.  They had been with her since the beginning.  So as we watched her train and go through the motions of being at school, I loved that she learned from her mistakes and pushed herself to be better.  Idrisa was someone we could definitely look up to.  When her school was invited to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, Idrisa’s whole world was going to change forever.  At the gala, the goddesses of the lake gave Idrisa the sword.  The one the King desperately wanted.  And with that fear in my bones, I had no clue where this story would go.

“Do not fear when the time comes. If you risk everything, you will gain what you seek.”

Prince Merrick seemed to radiate pain and sorrow.  He missed his mother with his whole heart and soul.  Yet life continued and surrounding him were his brothers, father and the expectations for all of them. As we watched Prince Merrick, the tests he was put through seemed unfathomable. He showed us he was honorable, true and someone we could trust….or so I hoped. Especially when his father, the King, imprisoned Idrisa after she obtained the sword. I hoped those chain of events would be the fire that would light him to live again.  Because he had so much potential, and I loved the spark between him and Idrisa!

“Family is not only created by blood, but within the heart. Forever may our bond be strong. And like the stars, may our light never die.”

The side characters in this book filled the pages with their passion.  Rocco was one I was unsure of.  He was so protective of Idrisa and I was beyond grateful for that. But his words weren’t for me.  That’s because I had already fallen for the prince so easily. Yet I have a lot of guesses for his future!  And Knox, who helped the prince, was someone I adored.  But on the other side, I hated the evil characters!  They felt like sociopaths who had no moral ground to stand on. What they would do in the name of what they thought was right or what they wanted *shudders*, there was no line for them that they wouldn’t cross.  So hold on, because not everyone we care for will end up safe.

One of us had to die, and it wasn’t going to be me.

Magic, sword fighting, darkness, betrayal, truths, and a slow burn romance filled Once Upon a Legend.  The twists in this book were fabulously done!  The why and also who someone was, my mind was blown. I didn’t see those coming.  And I loved that alliances were made with those that were unlikely, it left me so excited to see how that will pan out!  This story was skillfully crafted and I loved that we even got a chapter or two from characters I didn’t even think we would. The way it added to the depths of this story were magical! This story closed with leaving us at a good stopping point, but I’m excited to see what happens next. And I just have to say that even though this story is young adult, I think it would be a great read for middle graders to pick up too!

I am worthy. I am deserving. You can’t take away who I am.
Out of anger, and to prove to myself that I could, I nocked an arrow and released, straight to the target dead on.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Seashell of ‘Ohana (Spirit of ‘Ohana #2) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: The Seashell of ‘Ohana (Spirit of ‘Ohana #2) by Mary TingThe Seashell of 'Ohana (Spirit of 'Ohana #2)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Since Abby became a widow in her mid-twenties, she's spent the past four years raising her son and working long hours at the gallery she owns with her sister in Kauai. She doesn't have time for a social life, nor does she want one. Until the handsome Ian Bordonaro comes back to town.

When Abby finds out Ian is grieving the death of his mother, she feels an instant connection. She knows his pain too well, and not many in her life understand what she's been through. Their friendship grows, but a lingering sense of guilt prevents Abby from moving forward.

Will she surrender to grief and give up her second chance at happily ever after? Or will finding a rare angelwing shell intact on the beach be a sign it's time to open her heart again?

Review:

With fabulous characters, sentimental moments and so much heart, I loved this book!  The story played out like it was destined to be a Hallmark movie and I couldn’t put it down.  The Seashell of ‘Ohana was filled with family, friendship and so much love!  If you love sweet and sentimental adult romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!

In the darkness. Just the two of us under the gorgeous moonlit sky, I could paint this. This view. This moment. But this feeling … My heart hadn’t settled back after its leap into the stars, yet.

Abby was a widow who had moved to Hawaii to raise her son.  Working with her sister at their art studio, and being involved in her son’s life, was her whole world.  Yet that world also included Ian.  Ian was her sister’s boyfriend’s best friend.  And while the previous book was about Abby’s sister, and I can’t recommend Where the Wind Chimes enough, you can easily read this book as a standalone!  With a little help from her sister and friends, Abby and Ian found themselves together longer then a moment at the grocery store.  There was a definite spark between them, but Abby was conflicted about moving on. Thankfully Ian had nothing but patience and heart on his side.  So I kept my fingers crossed!

Abby: Thank you for the beautiful flowers. You didn’t have to do that.
I was going to put the phone down, but a text pinged.
Ian: I had to do something to bribe you to hold my hand during horseback riding.
I smiled and swiped my fingers fast over the letters.
Abby: No need to bribe.  That’s what friends do.
Ian: Then Lee is a terrible friend. He won’t hold my hand.
A small snicker squeaked out of me, and Liam turned to look. I sent a laughing emoji, and he sent me a heart one back.
I stared at the red beating heart a bit longer than necessary. 

Ian was my favorite! He was such a good man who was kind and thoughtful. And readers will melt watching how Ian included Tyler, Abby’s son, in the conversation. He made Tyler feel seen. Just like he did with Abby every time they were near each other. I knew that Ian was perfect for Abby. But at the same time, I was nervous for Abby. She was interested in Ian, but her heart still felt broken from the passing of her husband. Abby was loving, focused and I loved how involved she was with her son. Yet she was definitely guilty of putting her sons needs before hers. And I got it. But I was thankful when Ian would step in and show her it was okay to allow herself to find happy moments too, with things she wanted. They balanced one another out so well!

Swim? Before I could process his words, he hoisted me into his arms. I swallowed a breath and wrapped my arms around his neck as he ran toward the ocean.
“Ian!” I hollered.
Trust me.
I did trust him, so I stopped kicking and surrendered.

I loved Abby and Ian’s moments together. While Abby tried her best to keep Ian in the friend category, it was impossible to deny their chemistry. Yet, it felt like there was a much deeper level between them. As if they were destined for one another. And the HEA at the end of this book, swoon! It will leave readers happy! So with sentimental moments that will leave you smiling, a heartwarming sister relationship and gorgeous scenery, The Seashell of ‘Ohana was such a huge win! With a few tears, smile and laughter, this delightful romance was so easy to devour! Have fun getting lost in this sentimental Hallmark romance, when you pick this one up!

“I would wait a lifetime for you, Abby. My heart was an empty sky, but you gave me the moon and the stars. Steve was your first, but I want to be your last.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary TingCode (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN's secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels--and her.


Review:

CODE was a heart pounding addition to the ISAN series!  With a gritty and rugged story-line, that held a lot of heart, this book was impossible to put down!  If you’re a fan of YA or dystopian, then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

 “You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

The story started off right where GENE ended, with Eva and Rhett separated and so many lives at stake.  I know this isn’t how I normally write my reviews but I have to talk about the twists first!  They were brilliant!  There was so much at play, the story played out ingeniously and my mind was blown.  I gasped out loud multiple times, screamed and kept whispering to myself this isn’t how the story was supposed to go.  I didn’t see multiple things coming. But looking back, ohhhhhh the clues were there, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together wrong. So hold on, because this story will take you on a wild and crazy ride!

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

CODE was told in multiple POVs again and we got to spend the majority of our time with Ava and Rhett. They have a forever place in my heart. I love how they’re both smart, brave, caring, fearless and would do anything for each other.  And watching their love grow stronger and deeper in each book?! My happiness soars when they can breathe for a moment and are together. They are the ultimate power couple! In CODE both of their emotions were put through the wringer but they each had the same end goal. To take Novak and ISAN down. I loved how Ava continually looked for Novak and Gene’s weak points and was defiant to their plans. With a psychopath for a brother and monster for a father, my heart continually bled for Ava. I longed for her to be back together with Rhett, for him to help her feel his love.

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

We also got to hear parts of the story from Mitch.  Oh how he has grown on me.  If you asked me in ISAN if I liked Mitch….oh wow, I would have laughed out loud and told you no.  He was such an arrogant jerk.  But there was more than meets the eye.  Mitch was cunning and smart.  He felt things deeply.  And in CODE he made friends and so much I can’t talk about other then I loved, loved, loved it! It was more than I ever could have hoped for.  I’m just as invested in Mitch’s life and happiness, as Ava and Rhett. And that terrifies me.  The position Mitch is in is beyond dangerous and I never know if this current moment will be his last.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

Justine was another who we got to spend some time with. I hated her. And to put all of my cards on the table, I hated her for even a good portion of this book too haha.  But getting to hear a few chapters in Justine’s head?!  Oh you guys.  She wiggled her way into my heart. Curse her lol.  Justine even made me cry tears that couldn’t be stopped.  Sigh.  So good luck trying to ignore all of the feelings she’ll pull from you, because for me it was impossible to ignore.

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

In addition, we got to spend a few chapters with Chancellor Josephine Chang who was beyond fascinating.  Her ties and connections.  What she did when she was not around Rhett, Ava, Zen or the public eye, WOW. There’s not much I can say other then I enjoyed the little time we got to spend with Chancellor Chang and I’m hoping for something to happen in her future, fingers crossed!

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

CODE had it all! Horrific plans were made, traps were set, people switched sides, impossible decisions were made and there was even sacrifice.  I had sweaty palms in multiple situations.  And new enemies we meet…..one of them is what nightmares are made of *shudders*. At the end of the day, I was terrified because I cared for too many people.  But I smiled so much and loved being back with these people that feel like family to me.  They are the ultimate squad that I want to be a part of! Rhett, Ava, Mitch, Brooke, Ozzie, Reyna, Momo and a few others, I kept hoping they would all survive!

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

Coursing with adrenaline, CODE was impossible to put down!  And with love and friendship winding throughout the pages, it evened this book out perfectly.  So with a richly imagined world, characters that leapt off the pages and a story that kept you turning just one more page, this book easily became an instant favorite! Plus it ended at the perfect stopping and breathing point.  But I’ll definitely be counting down until that next book comes out, I can’t wait!

Two other quotes that I loved…

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava
 
“Why me?” Mitch frowned.
Russ offered a sly grin. “You’re good at scheming and deceiving. That’s what you do well.”
Mitch chuckled. “Did you just give me a compliment? Are we getting along?”
Russ cackled and tapped the screen to close. “I think it’s a start of a beautiful friendship. But seriously , we’re here so think fast.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order:
Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


ISAN (International Sensory Assassin Network #1)
Review:
Jen

HELIX (International Sensory Assassin Network #2)
Review:
Jen

GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

CODE (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
Review:
Jen

AVA (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
Review:
Jen

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

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